Fashion designer Kate Spade found dead in New York apartment, suicide suspected

American Fashion Designer Kate Spade, 55, has been found dead in her Manhattan apartment in an apparent suicide. She was allegedly found by the housekeeper at the apartment around 10:20 am local time.

Spade, who first worked as a journalist, including a stint at Mademoiselle magazine, launched her eponymous fashion label in 1993 with her husband Andy. Her brand is known for colourful designs and the companies prominent logo looked like a spade.

Her cheerful use of bright colors and prints proved a hit with career women. She had sold the last of her shares in Kate Spade New York more than 10 years ago, and was no longer directly associated with the management of the company bearing her name.

In the past few years, Spade -- born Katherine Brosnahan -- had launched a new accessories label, Frances Valentine.

(with PTI inputs)